Contemporary Author Blog 2

                                        Brandon Taylor 

Brandon Taylor (1)

Brandon Taylor was born and raised in Prattville, Alabama, in a small town near Montgomery. His upbringing took place in a religious and conservative Baptist environment. Growing up, Taylor's family members were mostly illiterate, which led to him being responsible for reading his parents' medical bills and government forms. Despite the challenges, Taylor taught himself how to read. Brandon Taylor identifies as queer and incorporates this aspect of his identity into several of his literary works. For his undergraduate studies, he attended Auburn University Montgomery. Later, he pursued a graduate program in biochemistry before transitioning to a career in creative writing. Taylor Obtained graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Iowa. During his time at the University of Iowa, he was honored as an Iowa Arts Fellow at the Iowa Writers Workshop. (2)

Real Life 

"Real Life"
by Brandon Taylor (3)

Throughout Real Life, Wallace is constantly met with condescension from those around him, particularly his white friends who fail to understand his experiences as a gay black man. Despite his intelligence and academic success, Wallace is often pushed to the sidelines and made to feel like an outsider in his community. This condescension is evident in the ways his friends react to his decision to skip his father's funeral, as they struggle to comprehend the complexities of his grief and the trauma that has shaped his identity. As Wallace navigates the challenges of graduate school and personal relationships, he is forced to confront how he is marginalized and overlooked by those around him. His experiences as a black man in a predominantly white environment are a constant source of tension and frustration. Despite his efforts to connect with his friends and find a sense of belonging, Wallace ultimately feels isolated and misunderstood. Taylor explored
how race, sexuality, and trauma intersect to shape an individual's experience and relationships. The recurring theme of condescension towards Wallace serves as a powerful commentary on how marginalized individuals are often dismissed and overlooked in society. (3)

The Late Americans 

"The Late Americans"
by Brandon Taylor (4)

Throughout the year, Seamus struggles to find his voice as a poet, feeling stifled by his own self-doubt and the expectations of others. Ivan grapples with his conflicting desires for financial stability and creative expression, ultimately finding solace in his exploration of amateur pornography. Fatima, a fiercely independent woman, learns to lean on others for support while maintaining her strong work ethic and sense of self. Noah, caught off guard by unexpected sexual encounters, navigates his newfound desires with both excitement and trepidation. As their paths intersect in Iowa City's vibrant and eclectic community, the group finds themselves embroiled in a series of intense and shocking events that challenge their beliefs and push them to their limits. From late-night conversations in cafes to heated debates in classrooms, the friends confront their fears, insecurities, and desires head-on, leading to moments of both heartbreak and triumph. 

In this transformative moment, each individual is forced to confront their inner demons and make peace with their own vulnerabilities. Through their shared experiences and unwavering support for one another, the group emerges stronger, more resilient, and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. (4)

Personal Reflection

After immersing myself in Taylor's novels, I have cultivated a fascination for the subjects he delves into within in his books aimed at young readers. It is truly interesing to witness how he weaves together the struggles of black queers and addressing the vulnerabilities and anxieties that plague young adults. Through his vivid storytelling, he sheds light on the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals who often find them underrepresented in mainstream literature. By giving voice to these characters, Taylor not only amplifies their stories but also fosters a sense of inclusivity and understanding among readers. 

Work Cited 

B          (1)Brandon Taylor. (2021, July). Brandon Taylor Doesn’t Want to Write About Race and Trauma Anymore. https://www.anothermag.com/design-living/13435/brandon-taylor-author-interview-filthy-animals-book-review-2021   

            (2)Wikipedia contributors. (2024, March 11). Brandon Taylor (writer). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Taylor_%28writer%29#:~:text=Taylor%20was%20born%20in%20Prattville,medical%20bills%20and%20government%20forms.

            (3) Orbey, E. (2020, February 19). “Real Life” is a new kind of campus novel. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/real-life-is-a-new-kind-of-campus-novel

             (4) BookBrowse. (n.d.). Summary and reviews of The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor. BookBrowse.co https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/17610/the-late-americans#:~:text=Book%20Summary,-The%20widely%20acclaimed&text=A%20novel%20of%20friendship%20and,while%20trying%20to%20find%20themselves.

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